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The Metropolitan Police dismantled an international smuggling gang suspected of exporting up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over 12 months, representing approximately 40% of all phones stolen in London during that period.

The Metropolitan Police dismantled an international smuggling gang suspected of exporting up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over 12 months, representing approximately 40% of all phones stolen in London during that period.

Operation Echosteep began in December after officers discovered a box containing approximately 1,000 iPhones being shipped to Hong Kong at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport, with almost all devices confirmed as stolen.</span

Operation Echosteep began in December after officers discovered a box containing approximately 1,000 iPhones being shipped to Hong Kong at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport, with almost all devices confirmed as stolen.

Street thieves received between 200 and 300 pounds per stolen handset, while the devices were subsequently sold overseas for up to 5,000 dollars each, with Apple products specifically targeted due to their international profitability.</span

Street thieves received between 200 and 300 pounds per stolen handset, while the devices were subsequently sold overseas for up to 5,000 dollars each, with Apple products specifically targeted due to their international profitability.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and police commanders called on mobile phone manufacturers to implement stronger security measures to make stolen devices unusable, citing the need for coordinated global action to disrupt the lucrative trade.</span

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and police commanders called on mobile phone manufacturers to implement stronger security measures to make stolen devices unusable, citing the need for coordinated global action to disrupt the lucrative trade.

Two men in their 30s, codenamed Heron and Seagull by police, were arrested in north-east London and charged with handling stolen goods after officers found phones in their car and approximately 2,000 more devices at linked properties.</span

Two men in their 30s, codenamed Heron and Seagull by police, were arrested in north-east London and charged with handling stolen goods after officers found phones in their car and approximately 2,000 more devices at linked properties.

It was reported by the Met that thieves received up yo 300 pounds per stolen handset, while the devices were subsequently sold overseas for up to $5,000 each, with Apple products specifically targeted due to their international profitability.

It was reported by the Met that thieves received up yo 300 pounds per stolen handset, while the devices were subsequently sold overseas for up to $5,000 each, with Apple products specifically targeted due to their international profitability.

The operation resulted in 46 total arrests during two weeks of targeted activity, including 15 additional arrests for theft-related offenses and searches of 28 properties across London and Hertfordshire that recovered over 30 suspected devices.</span

The operation resulted in 46 total arrests during two weeks of targeted activity, including 15 additional arrests for theft-related offenses and searches of 28 properties across London and Hertfordshire that recovered over 30 suspected devices.

Data shows that, in 2024, over 117,000 phones were stolen in London. Meanwhile, national YouGov polling shows crime as the fourth most important issue facing the country (22%), behind health (30%), the economy (55%), and immigration (57%).

Data shows that, in 2024, over 117,000 phones were stolen in London. Meanwhile, national YouGov polling shows crime as the fourth most important issue facing the country (22%), behind health (30%), the economy (55%), and immigration (57%).

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The Metropolitan Police dismantled an international smuggling gang suspected of exporting up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over 12 months, representing approximately 40 percent of all phones stolen in London during that period.</span

The Metropolitan Police dismantled an international smuggling gang suspected of exporting up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over 12 months, representing approximately 40 percent of all phones stolen in London during that period.

Police Bust Gang That Smuggled 40,000 Stolen UK Phones

Crime & justice

Police

United Kingdom

Police Bust Gang That Smuggled 40,000 Stolen UK Phones

Police Bust Gang That Smuggled 40,000 Stolen UK Phones

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